Down By the River is a rustic and evocative Brett Beer that showcases a year of oak barrel maturation. It leads with a complex bouquet of wild yeast funk—evoking damp earth and foraged botanicals—seamlessly integrated with the subtle vanilla and wood tannins of the cask. The local malts provide a sturdy, crackery foundation for the wild, spicy notes of the foraged hops. On the palate, it is remarkably dry and crisp, offering a bright interplay of stone fruit esters and a light, refreshing acidity. This wild ale captures the essence of the Fiskars riverside, finishing clean with a lingering, earthy complexity.
Appearance.Deep gold to pale amber (6–10 SRM) with a slight, persistent haze. A thin, ivory head forms with moderate retention, leaving delicate lacing on the glass.
Aroma.High intensity; prominent wild yeast character features wet hay, barnyard funk, and earthy riverside minerals. Underlying fruity esters of apricot and lemon zest are complemented by spicy, herbal foraged hops and a distinct woody, vanilla note from the oak barrels.
Taste.Initial crispness gives way to a complex profile of crackery malt and rustic funk. Stone fruit and citrus flavors lead into a dry, highly attenuated finish. Hop bitterness is low to moderate, but the foraged hops contribute a wild, spicy edge. A light, pleasant acidity and subtle wood tannins provide structure, resulting in a balanced, lingering aftertaste of earthy fruit.
Mouthfeel.Medium-light body with high carbonation that enhances the crisp, dry finish. Subtle alcohol warmth is well-integrated. A light tannic astringency from the oak adds texture without being harsh.